Critic's Log_Maribago Bluewater

The newly renovated Bluewater in Maribago, Mactan, exudes a new zen, catalyzed by the ubiquitous ponds and waterfalls now dotting the resort's grounds. It's played up its atmosphere of a cozy escape from citylife and the stress that comes with it by amping up their spa services, particularly with the Amuma Spa, which I've now come to experience. An airy Juice Bar complements their wellness offering while its menu showcases the island's many fruits in season served in juicy bites or in heavenly fresh and healthy concoctions. The gym is conveniently located just right behind the bar, so you don't have long to walk before powering up.

I will be treated to their Water Shiatsu this afternoon and lugged along a bathing suit just in case the wet element comes to effect.

When I come to Maribago Bluewater, I always enjoy the waiting moments---few to come by especially because of their PR, Ruben's, superbly solicitous attentions. I sit at their waiting lounge now, usually an awkward time at any other resort or hotel because at any moment the wait staff will come over to demand what the hell you're doing sitting at their tables, yet here I oddly feel compelled to jot my thoughts down, and this is how this piece came to be.



Ruben mentioned at a Barrio Fiesta dinner some nights ago that the resort is in the midst of a full-scale renovation in time for their anniversary---moved from July to December this year---in hopes of thwarting the gobal economic downturn. Like most Mactan resorts, Bluewater is largely dependent on South Asian guests who come to enjoy Cebu's eternally summer weather (the heat is up at 30-degrees Celsius at least even in our so-called rainy season). This makes the renovation perfectly timed. The recession too has made certain resources available as locally based foreign furniture companies scramble to sell their current stock where before, those same pieces would have to have been purchased in Singapore or Germany, they were instead shipped from the Mactan factory to the resort.



I love the ambience here. From the lobby, you immediately feel your blood pressure winding down. Maybe it's the sound of water falling, always a boon for my constantly wired system. I meant to buy one for my home but the thought of maintenance deters me.

Weeping bamboos camp in mini groves around Amuma's own swimming pool, again accented with a rippling waterfall flowing out from one of two massage kiosks. The main kiosk is called the Hilot Pavilion Massage where their services range from the Amuma Hilot, Traditional Filipino ilot, Swedish massage, Namikoshi Shiatsu, Thai Foot Massage, and the Travel Revive.

The Amuma Spa is ensconced in a different wing from the main resort. Unless one is a roomed guest in that wing, it's unlikely you'll find the usual beach revellers here. A gorgeously ergonomic chaise loung by Dedon graces the gravel path by the pool and makes for the penultimate lounging experience---even when enjoyed while the press conference convenes.

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The Amuma Hilot begins with a shower in brine water with in-house lemongrass infused shampoo and conditioner. Stalks of lemongrass perfume the locker room too, so it's hard to miss the point. You're led to a verandah overlooking the Hilot Pavilion and swimming pool where a warm tub of salted and essential-oil infused water awaits your tingling toes. The attendant gives you a quick rub. It's really more for cleansing your feet than a foot scrub. Towelled off, you proceed to the massage room where they begin the hilot ritual of traditional incense---this time, cleansing for your psyche. It tells your mind, "Time to relax."

Staring at floating frangipani has never been so relaxing. Coconut oil permeates the air as my masseuse kneads my knotted back and nape muscles. I cannot begin to describe how the tensions drain away. My inner control freak frantically tries to remember all the details. I'm to write about this, remember? But the hedonist in me tartly responds, "How will you relate the experience if you haven't enjoyed it to the hilt?" And so I mellow down and let the Hilot work its magic.